One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Ten minutes later, the five members of the Helgrave Pirates followed King Neptune onto the royal sea horse drawn boat. 

Towing them was a colossal oarfish, its long body wrapped in twin bubbles that provided buoyancy. Inside the larger of the two bubbles was the guest cabin.

"Wow. This place is incredible."

Lafitte gazed out at Fish-Man Island through the translucent bubble and couldn't help but marvel.

"Heh.. for anyone visiting Fish-Man Island for the first time, it's always beyond imagination. This place is the ocean's treasure to us fish-men," said Minister of the Left, clearly pleased by Lafitte's reaction, and enthusiastically began introducing the various landmarks of the island.

Led by the Royal Guard, they passed through a vertical passageway and soon arrived at Ryugu Palace.

By the time the Helgrave Pirates stepped inside, a grand banquet had already been prepared, evidently arranged in advance by Neptune.

"Ashen, earlier you mentioned wanting to discuss something. May I ask what it is?"

Once everyone had taken their seats, Neptune raised the same question that Riku once had. It seemed that for a king, matters always began with interests.

"No need to rush into that. What I'd like to ask first, King Neptune, is this. How do you view the future of Fish-Man Island and your people?"

Ashen twirled the dinner knife between his fingers, his gaze steady on Neptune.

"Well… Fish-Man Island isn't large, but we manage to live in relative comfort. Though pirates invade from time to time, our unique location helps us fend them off.

As for our people… Some are unruly, but most are kind hearted.

So yes, I remain hopeful for the future of both Fish-Man Island and the fish-men."

Neptune seemed unsure of Ashen's motives and offered a vague, noncommittal response.

"Heh… If that's really what you think, then there's nothing more to discuss. You may as well keep surviving in the depths of this murky sea.

The future has already changed, just wait and see if your so-called savior ever shows up."

Ashen set down the knife in his hand. At that signal, Tesla and the others stopped eating as well. The previously cheerful mood turned tense.

"…Everyone, please leave us."

Neptune sighed, as if making a weighty decision. After instructing the Minister of the Left and the others to leave, he continued.

"To tell you the truth, Ashen… a few days ago, I couldn't sleep after hearing one of Madam Shyarly's prophecies.

If it comes true, Fish-Man Island will face catastrophe. 

The fragile peace we've maintained for centuries will be shattered, and this island will become one of the epicenters of the coming era's storm.

But then, just earlier on my way to find you, the Minister of the Left informed me, Madam Shyarly had another vision. 

She said the future of Fish-Man Island has changed. And the one who will change everything… is you.

So Ashen-san, if you have a plan, speak freely. If it can safeguard Fish-Man Island and alter our fate, I will give you my full cooperation."

To everyone's surprise, Neptune bowed his head. The calm and composed king now pleaded earnestly.

"It's simple. Fish-Man Island must fly our flag and serve the Helgrave Pirates.

In return, we will, within a few years, guarantee the safety of fish-men and merfolk… and allow them to live freely on the surface.

Including…"

The last part was too astonishing to say aloud. Ashen transmitted it directly to Neptune through the Nether Eye.

Neptune's expression froze. He hadn't even processed the shock of Ashen's telepathic message before the content of it left him utterly speechless.

"If that's true… I will be forever grateful. Ashen-san, Fish-Man Island will raise your flag starting today, jamon."

Regaining his composure, Neptune abandoned all hesitation and made his decision.

…

That very afternoon, Neptune fulfilled his promise. Banners bearing the symbol of the Helgrave Pirates fluttered high over both Fish-Man Island and Ryugu Palace.

Ashen, along with Tesla, made his way to the fish-bus terminal in the southeastern region of the island. 

Declining the royal escort, the two boarded the bus alone, heading toward the Sea Forest.

Ten minutes later, after weaving through the waterway tunnels, the fish-bus finally reached its terminal stop.

"What a breathtaking sight… I passed through once before, but I never realized there was a forest like this here. Fish-Man Island must have a truly ancient history."

Walking beneath the dreamlike canopy of the Sea Forest, Tesla couldn't help but regret not appreciating the island's beauty sooner.

"You're absolutely right. The deeper you dig, the more captivating history becomes."

The voice didn't come from Ashen, but from a fish-man emerging from the forest. He had the thick tail of a wolf eel, wore a black cap and glasses, and smiled as he approached the two.

…

Meanwhile, at Mermaid Cove.

Kyros floated leisurely in the water. When tired, he'd rest near the edge, his tall frame half-submerged.

All around him, graceful mermaids had gathered to watch, some bolder ones even striking up conversation. A few even pulled him playfully through the water.

At first, Kyros was awkward and reserved. But surrounded by such open and friendly mermaids, he gradually relaxed.

"Sigh… For some reason, I don't find Devil Fruits as appealing anymore."

Up on the shore, Walton watched the triumphant Kyros with a sigh.

"No kidding. Were Devil Fruits ever supposed to be tasty?"

Lafitte visibly winced as he recalled his own first bite of one.

"Tch… You're still young, Lafitte. You don't yet know the pain of envy, the torment of desiring what you can't have."

Walton scooped a spoonful of honey into his mouth, glanced down at Kyros again, then set the jar aside.

"Pretentious…"

…

Back in the Sea Forest. 

"Amazing. This is pure genius. To design a ship like this… No, this isn't just a ship, it's a vessel for dreams."

The fish-man they had encountered, Tom's younger brother, Den, was now holding Tesla's blueprint, exclaiming in awe every few seconds.

"Heh, it's nothing… just some impossible ideas. With our current shipbuilding technology, none of this can be achieved."

Tesla gave a modest laugh as he watched Den's excitement.

These blueprints represented years of his effort. But his concepts were so far ahead of their time, no one had been able to make them a reality, let alone fund them.

Den remained silent for a while, studying the designs. His expression slowly began to shift.

-------

If you want to support me and read 25 advance chapters for 6$, please visit.

pa-treon.com/Anfractuous

[Just remove the hyphen(-) to access the page.]